International Reunion

I was one of my country’s representative in the upcoming oratorical competition. A black car came to pick my team and I up to the competition venue. I was so nervous; I could barely breathe so I kept silent throughout the entire journey. We were wearing our blazers and tie when we boarded the car but when we arrived, only the guys kept the same outfit. Our team leader had one foot out of the car and I knew my imagination had spun out of control. She wore a golden stiletto with jewels draped around her ankles. She matched the rest of herself in a long fitted green gown. The rest of the girls in the team left the car in similar finery. I was in a black fitted gown with a small “v” in the front and a rather deep “V” cut in the back. I matched the dress with a pair of black and silver 6-inch heels, a earring-bracelet-necklace diamond set and a small clutch that held my cue-cards for the competition later. My hair was in a half up-do with loose tendrils framing the sides of my face. I thought to myself (consciously), I am so vain that it’s starting to show in my dreams.

When I got out of the car, another car carrying one of our competitor teams pulled up. The team was dressed in full black suits, including the girls. I stared at the group; trying to guess which country they were from when I realised I know one of the girls! It was Emily! She was one of the representatives at the convention I went to last year! I squealed (all girls do this) and ran towards her with my arms outstretched. We hugged and talked all at once before we linked arms and made our way into the ballroom where the competition was held. I was blown away by the décor made speechless by the huge stage. Fear was back and it was lodged firmly in my throat. My body temperature dropped and my throat went dry. I was starting to regret joining this competition! Just then, I heard a squeal from behind me. I turned around to see Rachel come flying towards me. She was my best friend at the previous seminar and I was thrilled to see her again. After a long exchange, I realised there were people crowding towards us. They were all from the previous conference! We were having a reunion! We were so excited to meet one another that all the competition jitters were forgotten. We were more focused on planning to spend the rest of our time in this country together. Where to eat, where to go, just like old times!

I woke up feeling a sense of happiness and nostalgia and that strange feeling that borders on sadness because I know in reality, it will be near impossible to gather all of us from 9 different countries together again.

#classy #longing